Peer Leadership
Supporting our core belief that there should be “Nothing About Us Without Us”.
The peer movement, born in the late 70’s and early 80’s birthed the idea of the value of lived experience and the idea that peers could provide supports and services. The movement recognized advocacy for the rights of individuals with lived experience of mental health and substance use issues as a civil rights and social justice movement. We have this movement to thank for the developing Peer Specialist profession, emerging in ever increasing settings within our communities. Without the development of peers as leaders we would not have the growing numbers of peer run community supports such as peer respite facilities, peer run crisis centers, drop-in centers, first responder teams, emergency room teams and many others. PSCFL is dedicated to providing opportunities for this valued movement to continue by engaging peers in leadership development.
Peer and Recovery Education and Resources
Since 2016, we have trained thousands of peers, provided CEU’s to Certified Recovery Peer Specialists (CRPS) to obtain and maintain certification, shared statewide employment opportunities for peers, and promoted peer support and recovery to over numerous local, regional, and statewide events. Our events calendar is updated with trainings needed for peer and peer related professional development. Our members have access to the PLAFL course catalog with an extensive list of educational offerings in various learning formats. Additional catalog material is researched and updated regularly.
We provide information on the requirements for peers to become Florida certified Peer Specialists as well as National Certified Peer Specialists. Through our Partner National Technical Assistance Center, Doors to Wellbeing, we also provide links to certification information nationally, where available and provided https://copelandcenter.com/peer-specialists.
PSCFL members have access to the Career Center, with postings of jobs and volunteer opportunities. Members are also able to make populate their profile with their resume and make it searchable to employers.
Peer Leadership Academy (PLA)
PLA is a learning model for leadership development of peers through participation in a leadership growth webinar, leadership development Mastermind group, completion of leadership assessments and creation of a Personal Leadership Philosophy and Growth Plan.
- Prospective participants are required to apply to participate in the PLA.
- A cohort of peers will be selected annually, during the grant period, to participate.
- Under PLA staff guidance, each participant will create an individual leadership plan based on their development level and the goals they set for their development.
- Graduates of past cohorts may be engaged to provide mentorship to others.
- Attention will be given to cultural and linguistic competencies and requested accommodations.
- Milestones and achievements will be documented and recognized.
Any peer who is interested in taking their leadership skills to a new level in a structured and supported environment.
Complete the PLA application form.
- Opportunity for individual personal and professional growth
- Explore and create a Personal Leadership Philosophy and Growth Plan
- Join a community of peers for ongoing support, networking, and mentoring
- Confidence to participate in leadership opportunities in your community
- Practice leadership skills through small group facilitation
- Personal copy of the selected leadership book
National Consumer and Consumer Supporter Technical Assistance Center
Peer Experience National Technical Assistance Center (PENTAC) is one of the 5 National Consumer and Consumer Supporter Technical Assistance Centers funded by SAMHSA. Some of the organizational development components of the project include:
- Developing and implementing technical assistance and training on the integration of peers in multiple treatment delivery settings such as crisis intervention services, certified community behavioral health clinics, hospital emergency departments and integrated care settings.
- Developing materials and other training approaches to assist employers in hiring and retaining individuals with lived experience. Employers include State and local organizations. Providing technical assistance to employees on skill development within the occupational and financial dimensions of wellness along with exploration of entrepreneurship options.
- Visit our PENTAC page to get more information on the technical assistance provided to develop community pillars of support.
Join thousands of active members
Peer Support Coalition of Florida, Inc. (PSCFL) is the statewide peer network dedicated to advancing peer support in Florida. If you think of Florida as a bicycle wheel, PSCFL is the hub at the center of the wheel.